Mukta

Mukta is a French ensemble founded in 1994 in Nantes, led by bassist and composer Simon Mary. They are a pivotal act in the 'Asian Vibe' or 'Ethno-Jazz' movement that flourished in Europe during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The group's sound identity is defined by the integration of Hindustani classical music instruments, specifically the sitar and sarod, into a traditional jazz quartet framework. Unlike many fusion acts that utilize ethnic instruments for surface-level texture, Mukta engages deeply with raga structures and modal jazz, creating a genuine hybrid. Their debut album, 'Indian Sitar & World Jazz' (1999), was a landmark release for Warner Jazz France, signaling a shift toward globalized jazz perspectives. Throughout their career, they have oscillated between purely acoustic explorations, as seen on 'Jade', and electronic-leaning experiments like 'Dancing On One's Hands!' Their 2003 expedition to India to record with local masters like Biswajit Roy Chowdury solidified their reputation for cultural authenticity. Critically, they are respected for their technical proficiency and for avoiding the 'New Age' pitfalls often associated with East-West fusion, maintaining a gritty, jazz-forward edge.